LEOSAR vs MEOSAR vs GEOSAR | difference between LEOSAR, MEOSAR, GEOSAR

This page compares LEOSAR vs MEOSAR vs GEOSAR and mentions difference between LEOSAR, MEOSAR and GEOSAR.

Introduction : Cospas-Sarsat program has been designed to protect life and property by providing accurate, reliable and timely alert and location information to search and rescue authorities. The services are offered free of charge for users in distress across the world. The alert services are provided with the help of satellites and ground systems by detecting, processing and relaying the transmissions of emergency beacons which operates at RF of 406 MHz.

LEOSAR vs MEOSAR vs GEOSAR

Based on their altitudes there are about three different types of satellites in Cospas-Sarsat system viz. LEOSAR, MEOSAR and GEOSAR.

What is LEOSAR ?

• LEOSAR stands for Low Earth Orbiting Search and Rescue. It locates beacons using doppler shift processing.
• The system uses 6 satellites on orbit which provides global coverage twice per day.
• The altitude of satellites is about 500 miles in Pole-Pole orbit.
• Performs doppler locating function, Primary means of locating and not GPS.
• LEOSAR stores and forwards alerts continuously for 48 hours.

What is MEOSAR ?

• MEOSAR stands for Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue. The search and rescue receivers are located on GPS satellites operated by US, Russia and Europe.
• The system offers improved position accuracy and decrease in waiting time.
• These satellites are placed at altitude of about 19000 to 24000 Km.
• MEOSAR system offers global coverage. It provides near instantaneous detection and location informations.
• MEOSAR uses three or more satellites which receive beacon signal and uses trilateration method to calculate a location.

What is GEOSAR ?

• GEOSAR stands for Geostationary Orbiting Search and Rescue. It does not have doppler capability.
• The system uses 5 satellites on orbit.
• The altitude of satellites is about 23000 miles in fixed orbit.
• GEOSAR performs instantaneous alerting function. No locating capability unless beacon is equipped with GPS.
• Coverage from 70N - 70S.
• GEOSAR system does not cover polar areas.

Difference between LEOSAR, MEOSAR and GEOSAR

Following table mentions difference between LEOSAR, MEOSAR and GEOSAR.

Comparison parameters LEOSAR MEOSAR GEOSAR
• Full Form Low Earth Orbiting Search and Rescue Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue Geostationary Orbiting Search and Rescue
Altitude 500 miles 11800 to 14900 miles 23000 miles
Number of satellites in orbit 6 5 3
Worldwide coverage Yes Yes No polar coverage
Real time continuous access No, latency up to several hours until satellite pass, and then potential latency until downlink Yes Real time continuous access on covered area but with a less favorable link budget compared to MEOSAR
Number of satellites simultaneously in visibility Most of the time, no satellite in view, and in general only one satellite at a time (except for polar areas where multiple visibilities can occur). More than 10 satellites in visibility at anytime and anywhere Only 1 or 2 satellites in view and therefore important impacts masking effects
Independent localization of fast moving beacons Not available Available Not available


Satellite related links


IoT Wireless Technologies

WLAN    THREAD    EnOcean    LoRa    SIGFOX    WHDI    Zigbee   6LoWPAN   Zigbee RF4CE   Z-Wave   NFC   RFID   INSTEON  

Difference between MQTT and HTTP, REST, DDS, SMQTT and CoAP protocols


Advantages and Disadvantages of other Sensor Types

Capacitive    Inductive    Photoelectric    Ultrasonic    Infrared    Motion    Biometric    Force    Humidity    Temperature    Light    Barometer    Sound    pH    Soil Moisture   

Advantages and Disadvantages of other wireless technologies

IrDA    HomeRF    Bluetooth    Radar    RF    Wireless    Internet    Mobile Phone    IoT    Solar Energy    Fiber Optic    Satellite    GPS    RFID    AM and FM    LTE   


What is Difference between


RF and Wireless Terminologies